LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

Marlborough Press, Volume XIII, Issue 832, 25 December 1872, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS.

PICTON COMPANY MARLBORO UGH RANGERS. company’s ordebb. The Picton Volunteers and Cadets will parade with side arms only, for Divine Service, at 10.30 a.m., on the 25th instant, Christmas Day. W. D. H. Baillie, Officer Commanding Militia and s Volunteers. On Saturday night a large quantity of cut firewood, amounting to about 250 cords, was destroyed bv fire It was surmised that the wood, which belonged to the railway contractors, was wilfully set on fire ; but as a bush fire was raging nearly the whole of last week in the immediate vicinity of the wood piles, it is only charitable to suppose', that the damage was. accidentally caused. Our local traders are apparently determined that the whole of the trade of the place shall not fall into the hands of new or occasional residents; for Mr W. Litchfield advertises that he is able and willing to supply every article required in a household, from groceries and Jprovisions in the eating line 10. silks and broadcloth in the clothing line, at such prices as cannot fail to give satisfaction to purchasers. Messrs Wymoud and Co. and Messrs Marks and Co. state the same thing in different language, except these firms do not supply groceries; so that customers must be hard to please if they cannot be suited by Mr W. Litchfield or by Messrs Wymond pr Marks.

A special service was held in Holy Trinity Church on Friday evening last, when the Rev. W. Ronaldson officiated. Owing to the unusual occurrence of a service on such a day in the week, the congregation was not so large as might have been expected. The service was appointed under the sanction of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who directed that Friday should be observed by members of the Anglican Church throughout the world, as a day of supplication to Almighty God, for the increase of the ministry, and more especially for a larger supply of men qualified to offer themselves for a the work of evangelising the heathen. The proposal emanated from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and being by them communicated to the Church Missionary Society, was warmly taken up by that body. Both societies, it may be said, have been much impeded in their operations, and unable to occupy promising fields of labor, owing to the insufficient supply of men suited to the mission work. A steamer from Melbourne visiting our port is of sufficient rarity to be looked upon as an event now-a-days, and the calling of the Rangitoto was accompanied by enough evidence of the value of the trade to lead to the supposition that visits from Melbourne steamers will not be so rare as they have been. The Rangitoto, tyhen she arrived on Friday evening, brought a large quantity of cargo, but not all that would have come had she been disposed to bring it, as a'considerable quantity was shut out at Nelson, to be brought on by the first steamer to this port. As showing how such things stimulate trade, it is rumored that should the Melbourne steamers continue to call regularly, two persons have dedecided to erect as many bonded stores, to provide for the requirements of the business expected to spring up. Most of the articles ordered from the Australian Colonies will arrive under bond, and it may not be convenient for importers to clear everything as it arrives, so that the erection of bonded stores will be a necessity, and will likely prove a paying speculation. A ship named the Jessie Readman arrived in Wellington last week, conveying some 340 immigrants to the Colony, of which number a considerable portion were engaged as navvies for Brogden and Co. On Friday the whole of the men engaged by the firm went in a body to their offices in Wellington, to urge remonstrances against the conditions sought to be imposed upon them in regard to the number of hours per working day and the rate of remuneration. The men argued that the conditions under which they were induced to come to the Colony were greatly against their interests, and that their engagements with the firm placed them at a great disadvantage relatively to other immigrants who had come out either under the passage warrant system or as Government immigrants. The cost of their passage was stated to be much higher than that of the other classes of immigrants. r and the outlets for their labor were circumscribed by their engagements; and it was further stated that they had been misled as to the general condition of things in the Colony—if not by misrepresentation, at least by a withholding of information, which raised hopes of prosperity that the actual reality did not justify. ,The men further contended that they had made enquiries, and found that the rate of wages in the Colony was 7s for eight hours labor, and as they had agreed to be bound by the conditions existing in the Colony, they concluded by saying the firm of Brogden and Co. were bound to recognise those terms. On behalf of the firm, the men were offered 6s a day of nine hours; but they resolutely declined to accept the offer, and left the office, stating they would do no work unless at the rate demanded. It is likely that an effort will be made by the Provincial Government to keep the men (who are described as an intelligent and able body of men) in Wellington and give them the terms asked by them and refused by the contractors. Picton Public School.-— The presentation of the annual prizes awarded by the School Committee, and the declaration of the results of the examination, took place at the School-room ou Thursday last; E. T. Conolly, Esq., the Chairman of the Committee, presiding, while several ladies and gentlemen by their presence testified to the interest felt by them in the progress of the pupils. Mr Conolly said that having been Chairman of the School Committee for the past five years, it gave him great pleasure to preside on that occasion ; and having also assisted a.t the examination, he felt that the result was highly creditable to both Teacher and pupils, as the average number of marks obtained in each division was much higher than on any previous occasion. He regretted to see so few pi. the parents present. He believed there had been more real competition on this occasion ; and lie had great pleasure in presenting the first prize to Paulina Watson ; the second prize to. Lilian Cawte, who had especially distinguished herself in History; the third prize to Alfred Conolly, and fourth to Emily Cawte. Second Division.— Ist prize, Tellira Wat6on ; 2nd prize, George Brooks ; 3rd prize, John Henderson ; 4th prize, Edward Jones. Third Division. —Ist prize, Margaret Dunn; 2nd prize, William Keenan ; 3rd prize, Amelia Murdoch ; 4th prize, George Henderson. Fourth Division.—First Class : Ist prize, Michael Dunn ; 2nd prize, William Harris. Second Class: Ist prize, Charlotte Heberley ; 2nd prize, Veronica Card. Some additional prizes were bestowed on the second and third divisions, and all the little ones received something as a memento of the occasion. For good conduct and regular attendance, the Ist prize was bestowed upon Elizabeth Dunn ; 2nd prize, Tellira Watson ; 3rd prize, Paulina Watson ; 4th prize, John Fuller ; sth prize, Veronica Card ; 6th prize, William Harris. An additional prize, given by Mr Card, was awarded to Elizabeth Clemens, for good conduct and assiduity. The intervals between the divisions were enlivened by school songs, rounds, recitations, fin'd the reading by Mr Williams of two of the compositions done by the first division, the subject being “How People should Behave in Church and School”; the two read being the productions of Alfred Conolly and Paulina Watson., _A few remarks by Mr Conolly and the Teacher, followed by an invitation from Mrs Conolly to the

annual treat so kindly provided by that lady (and to which all were invited, whether attending the school or not), and sundry rounds of cheering, brought the proceedings to a close. The General Government have sent through Mr Seed a letter to Mr Philpotts thanking him for the measures he so promptly and energetically took to afford relief to the sufferers by the wreck of the City of Newcastle had any such been discovered. When the Harbor Master returned, lie sent a report to the Provincial authorities, and we are informed that up to the present time no acknowledgement has been returned of the receipt of any communication upon the subject. The action of the General Government is in favorable contrast to that of the Provincial Government, if they are judged by this standard.

His Honor Judge Richmond left for Nelson on Sunday last by the Taranaki, having deferred giving judgment in the appeal case heard on Tuesday week last. The case, it will be remembered, was an appeal from the Resident Magistrate’s Court in Blenheim ; but as it appears to be a somewhat involved one, His Honor decided that he would give his decision upon the questions submitted to him either in Nelson or Wellington. Many will learn with regret that the health of Mr Justice Richmond was very bad during his presence in Picton at the late session, but it is hoped that a change of air will restore him to hia usual health. The Members of the Picton Church held a meeting on Wednesday last, when certain matters were brought forward for consideration. Amongst others was a suggestion conveyed in a letter from the Bishop of the Piocese, in which was urged the desirability of members of the church registering their names, to prevent any attempt of new members without status overthrowing or preventing the carrying out the designs of those who have proved their interest in the church by registration or long residence. This subject gave rise to a considerable amount of discussion, but the meeting separated without arriving at a decision on the matter. It was decided that after Easter the Hymn-books now in use should be discarded, and that Hjnmns Ancient and Modern be substituted. This is a step in the right direction, as the hymns about to be used have been selected with the greatest care and judgment, and form altogether one of the choicest Church Psalters that has ever been in use.

Mr T. Webster, anxious to supply his customers with joints of beef that should remind them of the rich looking sirloins, barons, and rotmds accustomed to be seen in the Old Country, received by the Taranaki on her last trip a number Of beasts that he intends to convert into beef, so that with a sufficiently vivid imagination they may fancy they are partaking of the usual Christmas fare of roast beef and plum pudding, surrounded by snow and ice. The question naturally arises, whence the necessity to import cattle into Marlborough, when numbers are being sent away to the West Coast and other outside places. from the Province ? Leaving this little matter to be settled by political economists, who with a great deal of wasted acumen will explain that such anomalies must exist to keep up the balance of trade,' we have to refer to another matter in connection with these said cattle received by Mr Webster. There is a widespread idea about that beasts should be handled in as gentle a manner as possible, and not subjected to unnecessary pain. This belief was lost sight of when the Taranaki’s cattle were being landed, as, instead of slinging them in a proper manner and allowing them to drop over the side for the purpose of swimming on shore, the cattle were hauled up with a rope made fast round the head and neck, so that they were subjected to a process similar to hanging, and were then lowered into the water, so that they should experience which of the two sensations, hanging or drowning, was most delightful. It must be possible to land cattle in a more humane manner, and if the provisions of the Act for preventing cruelty to animals were enforced, there possibly would not be so much to complain about when mobs of cattle were imported in the future.

An annual gathering, that has grown into a custom on account of the regularity with which it has been held, took place at the residence and grounds of Mr Conolly on Saturday last, when the children of the place were entertained. Besides the public invitation issued through the Press in the shape of an advertisement, whereby all children, without distinction of country or creed, were assured of a welcome, a semi-private invitation was given to the children frequenting the Public School; and the result of these invitations was the presence of some 150 children. The gathering was supposed to commence at 2 o’clock, and the children were sufficiently impatient to attend at the scene of the expected festivites, that that hour had not passed before they began to congregate, and their presence on the ground was the signal to commence some of many games they indulge in. The day was particularly warm, but the heat of the blazing sun did not detract from the children’s enjoyment, and the tea and refreshments they were furnished with, derived an additional flavor on account of the exertion the children had subjected themselves to. The very agreeable entertainment furnished for the children forms an introduction to the holidays, and children who are unsuccessful in obtaining prizes at School forget their disappointment when partaking of the good things provided by the entertainers, or taking part in games that require bodily rather than mental skill. The forethought shown by the givers of this children’s recreation is worthy of imitation, and there is no doubt that they have their reward in the knowledge that they have assisted to render certain days as times to be remembered in the catalogue of youthful memories. The afternoon was well spent by those congregated to partake of Mrs Conolly’s hospitality, and as evening was closing they repaid their entertainers and older visitors by singing a number of school songs under the direction of Mr Harris. Altogether everything passed off in the most satisfactory manner ; the children were well pleased with the feast and enjoyment connected with it; the elders, of whom there were about 30, were gratified at the evident pleasure of the younger ones ; and those who had in so handsome a manner provided the recreation, had the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts were thoroughly appreciated and taken advantage of.

A deputation consisting of nine gentlemen, appointed at a public meeting held in Blenheim, left Picton on Thursday night for the purpose of representing to the Government the state of public feeling in the Province respecting the alleged scandals in which Mr Eyes is concerned. How the deputation succeeded in its mission, the following particulars from the Independent will show “ A deputation, consisting of the Mayor of Blenheim, Captain Baillie, Messrs H. Dodson, J. Smith, C. Redwood, C. Davies, J. M‘Hutcheson, J. Gorrie, and W. Collie, had an interview with the Hon. Mr Waterhouse yesterday at 11 a.m., in support of a petition signed by about 450 of the inhabitants of Marlborough, requesting his Excellency the Governor to enquire into statements which had been made prejudicial to the character of W. H. Eyes, Sheriff of Marlborough, Justice of the Peace, and Commissioner of Crown Lands, and to take such steps consequent upon the result of such an enquiry as his Excellency might deem necessary. The deputation represented to the Premier that considerable delay must take place before the proceedings which Mr Eyes might institute in the Supreme Court could be heard, and that Mr Eyes had neglected to use reasonable diligence by not bringing the actions at the late sittings of the Supreme Court in Picton. Upon the deputation agreeing to furnish particulars of the charges, Mr Waterhouse informed them that he would cause a civil service commission to be appointed

to enquire into the charge*.referred to. He considered that charge* of that nature afforded reason* able ground* for holding such an enquiry. The deputation thanked the Hon. Mr Waterhouse for the consideration shown to them, and retired.” In addition, to the above, we are enabled to give the following particulars furnished by a gentleman who formed one of the deputation. The Hon. Mr Waterhouse was totally unacquainted with the facts of the case, in consequence of the misrepresentation that had been made to the Government, but when the charges brought against Mr Eyes were stated to the Premier, that gentleman, without hesitation, said they were sufficiently grave to demand the enquiry requested. There is a great probability that the conduct of those who have attempted to mislead and misinform the Government will form a subject requiring explanation when the committee appointed by the public gives an account of their labors ; until then it will be as well to let the matter rest. It is expected that the commision will commence their enquiry in about ten days.

The following is given as a correct statement of what was destroyed and saved in the Provincial Offices, Auckland, at the late fire Destroyed—Records in Kilfoyle’s office, principally of historic value, a few plans in the Waste Lands Office *, safe with contents, mainly registered deeds. Saved—All the contents of the Superintendent’s Office, of Treasury, of Executive Office, Public Works Office, messenger’s room, and nearly the whole of the contents of the Waste Lands rooms.

A contemporary, speaking of Sir George Bowen, gives utterance to the following sentiments. “ No governor of this country could have done less, perhaps, than Sir George Bowen towards bringing about the change that has come over the affairs' of the colony. Unlike Sir George Grey, he has obtained no influence over the natives ; nor is he personally known except to few of that race. Nevertheless, His Excellency has endeavoured to make the Home authorities acquainted with the Maoris, their manners, and peculiarities of speech. The comparisons he has drawn between the natives and the Highlanders of a century ago, however flattering to the Maoris, have been considered sufficiently original to have called forth a good deal of comment, and it is something to be original now-a-day. Sir George’s despatches are all that we are likely to remember him by.”

There are on view at the rooms of the Canterbury Flax Association two bolts of canvas, measuring respectively 12 and 35 yards, and 28 inches wide, manufactured from fibre sent to England by Mr Bird, Hon. Secretary of the Association. The fibre was not specially prepared for the purpose, but taken from bulk dressed at Messrs Ensornd Chinnery’s mills. The result is such, indeed, that it should convince the most sceptical and prejudiced of persons that the fibre can be used for far higher purposes than that of making rope. This being the case, a very encouraging prospect is offered to those who have embarked in the flax industry.

The Queenstown correspondent of the Cromwell Argus writes :—“ Mr Thomas Brown, sheep-owner, living on the 25-Mile Lake, while tailing lambs, happened to place the hilt of the knife between his teeth. A ewe jerked her head up, and forced the knife down Mr Brown’s throat. After the knife was extracted, he went about his ordinary work, apparently none the worse; but on the following night he became speechless, and until the moment he died appeared to have lost his senses. After he was conveyed to Queenstown, he was seized with paralysis of the one side, and died on the fourth night. The fact that he was supporting a widowed sister and her children, renders the case still more distressing.” An extraordinary case of lock-jaw occurred in Auckland some little time ago, resulting in the death of Mr G. Seymour, aged twenty, at the residence of his father, Captain Seymour. It appears that deceased was engaged stock-driving at Mangawai, when he accidently struck himself with the lash of his whip just over the left eye. He took, no notice of this at the time—in fact, the “ flick ” hardly left a mark. A day or two afterwards he came to town, when the wound got much worse, and it was thought advisable to send for Dr Hooper, who at once saw that all the symptoms of tetanus had set in. Shortly afterwards the young man’s jaw set as firm as a vice, and in this condition he remained for some time, when, despite everything that could be done to alleviate him, death put an end to his sufferings! It transpires that Mr Brogden, while in Melbourne, previous to his departure for England, made an offer to the Victorian Government to lay a cable between that Colony and New Zealand. The Age says “at this stage, therefore, it would be premature to speculate on the character of the proposals that have been made, or as to how far they may clash with subsequent offers to be made by the New Zealand Government; but there are certain considerations that cannot be entertained too early. There will be some slight advantage to this Colony in having a New Zealand cable landed on its coast, in preference to some other portion of the Australian seaboard, while it certainlly will be more to the interest of New Zealand to be immediately connected with Melbourne than with any other metropolitan city in Australia. The New Zealand Government will, no doubt, keep the question of the Australain terminus an.open one, until it has been ascertained what support the Eastern Austrailian Colonies will respectively give to the scheme.” We direct the special attention of our readers to the clauses of the Stamp Duties Act, 1866, and the Stamp Duties Act Amendment Act, 1872, which amendments came into force on the Ist of the present month, because the penealties for a breach Of any one or other of them are very heavy. It must be uhderstood that the Act of 1866 is not repealed, but is merely amended. The old Act must be read with the present one for the Act to be thoroughly comprehended and to accomplish this is a study equal to the mental labor of acquiring a new science. It was Hoyle, in hia treatise on whist, who says, “ If the player is in doubt he is to win the trick and we feel inclined to reeommend an analogous principle, to be adopted in all business transactions between business parties, and say wherever a doubt exists stamp the document, whatever it may be. We some short time since heard one of our eminent barristers contend in open court that an eighteenpenny ticket to a tea-party ought to be stamped, because it is not certain whether an agreement entered into between two parties, by which the one consents in writing to dine with the other, ought not to bear a stamp. On another occasion, when a defendant was charged for a breach of the Stamp Act, his counsel pleaded for a mitigation of the penalty, on the ground that the Colonial revenue had been enriched to the extent of several hundreds of pounds by nervous and ignorant persons placing stamps on letters and papers, and all sortß of memoranda, which, by law, required no stamps. The present Act has the recommendation of being as clearly worded as the Act of 1866 is obscure. We refer our readers specially to the importance of 25. The latter clause—clause 25—has, there can be no doubt, been inserted in the bill without the framers of it being aware of the consequences. By-this clause, no person out of the Colony or out of the Province can purchase any share or shares without he comes and places himself face to face with the buyer, or vice versa. It is altogether an oversight, and a very gross one! But we do not see the, way out of the difficulties it will give rise to in many share transactions, until the Assembly meet and the clause be repealed.